After spending several weeks shooting with the Canon EOS R5, I'm ready to share my hands-on experience with what might be Canon's most impressive mirrorless camera to date. Whether you're a professional photographer, a serious enthusiast, or a content creator who demands exceptional image quality and cutting-edge video capabilities, the R5 deserves your attention.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The moment you pick up the Canon EOS R5, you can tell it's built for professionals. The magnesium alloy body feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight for the technology packed inside. Weather sealing throughout ensures you can take this camera into challenging environments without worry, something I appreciate as someone who often shoots outdoors in unpredictable conditions.
The ergonomics deserve special mention—Canon has refined their grip design to perfection, making the R5 comfortable to hold for extended shooting sessions. The button layout follows Canon's intuitive design philosophy, allowing Canon DSLR users to transition seamlessly to this mirrorless system.
Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera
Price: $2,999.00
Previous Price $630.00Previous Price $120.00 to $130.00
Stunning Image Quality with 45MP Sensor
The heart of the Canon EOS R5 is its high-resolution 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which delivers extraordinary image quality that rivals medium format cameras. The dynamic range is impressive, preserving details in both shadows and highlights even in challenging lighting scenarios.
During my tests, I was consistently amazed by the amount of detail captured. Landscape photographers will appreciate the ability to produce large prints with incredible clarity, while portrait photographers will love the natural skin tones and subtle gradations that the R5 reproduces.
The color science is quintessentially Canon—rich, accurate colors straight out of camera that many photographers have come to love. Even at higher ISO settings, the R5 maintains impressive noise control, allowing for clean images up to ISO 6400 and very usable results beyond that.
Revolutionary 8K Video Capabilities
The Canon EOS R5 breaks new ground as the first consumer camera to offer 8K DCI cinematic video recording (8192 x 4320 pixels). This gives videographers unprecedented resolution and flexibility in post-production, including the ability to extract 35.4MP still frames from video footage.
Beyond the headline-grabbing 8K, the R5 offers:
4K video recording up to 120fps for gorgeous slow-motion footage
10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with Canon Log
Both All-I and IPB compression options
HDR PQ recording for stunning HDR content
While recording limitations due to heat management exist for extended 8K recording sessions, the camera performs admirably for typical professional use cases. For most productions, the 4K oversampled from 8K provides stunning quality with fewer thermal constraints.
Class-Leading Autofocus System
Canon has implemented their most advanced autofocus system to date in the R5, featuring:
1,053 AF areas covering approximately 100% of the frame
Deep learning-based subject detection and tracking
Enhanced Eye Detection AF that works flawlessly for humans, animals, and birds
Face tracking that maintains focus even when subjects turn away
The eye-tracking capabilities are almost magical in their precision—I found it locked onto bird eyes even in flight, making wildlife photography significantly more accessible. For portrait photographers, the eye detection rarely misses, even with subjects in motion.
Impressive Speed and Performance
The Canon EOS R5 delivers exceptional performance specifications that make it suitable for sports and wildlife photography:
Continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter
12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter
Deep buffer allowing extended burst shooting
CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II card slots for flexible storage options
When paired with Canon's RF lenses, the focusing speed is virtually instantaneous. I tested the camera with several fast-moving subjects, and the hit rate of sharp images was remarkably high—a testament to both the autofocus system and the camera's processing capabilities.
Game-Changing In-Body Image Stabilization
Perhaps one of the R5's most impressive features is its 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) system, providing up to 8 stops of shake correction when paired with certain RF lenses. This represents the most effective stabilization system currently available in any camera.
In practical terms, this allowed me to shoot handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1 second and still achieve sharp results—an absolute game-changer for low-light photography. For video creators, the stabilization makes handheld footage look remarkably smooth, often eliminating the need for a gimbal in less demanding scenarios.
The Growing RF Lens Ecosystem
While not part of the camera body itself, it's worth noting that Canon's RF lens lineup has expanded impressively since the launch of their mirrorless system. The R5 takes full advantage of these new optical designs, which offer improvements in sharpness, speed, and size compared to their EF counterparts.
Standout lenses include the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, and the innovative RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, which is dramatically smaller than its DSLR equivalent.
For those with existing EF glass, Canon's adapters work flawlessly, with no discernible impact on autofocus performance or image quality.
Additional Features Worth Noting
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for reliable focus in both photo and video modes
5.76 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder that's so good you might forget it's not optical
Vari-angle touchscreen LCD for flexible shooting angles
Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4GHz) and Bluetooth connectivity
Voice memo function for quick audio notes
Dual card slots for backup or overflow storage
Who Should Buy the Canon EOS R5?
The Canon EOS R5 is ideal for:
Professional photographers who need high resolution and reliability
Wedding photographers who value eye detection and low-light performance
Wildlife photographers who need tracking capabilities and reach
Videographers looking for top-tier 4K and 8K capabilities
Hybrid shooters who refuse to compromise on either stills or video
Conclusion: A True Next-Generation Camera
The Canon EOS R5 isn't just an incremental improvement—it represents a quantum leap forward in what's possible from a hybrid mirrorless camera. It successfully addresses virtually all the criticisms leveled at previous Canon mirrorless efforts while setting new standards for image quality, video capabilities, autofocus performance, and stabilization.
For Canon users contemplating the switch to mirrorless, the R5 removes any hesitation. For those already invested in other systems, it's compelling enough to justify a switch. While not without its limitations—particularly regarding 8K recording times—the R5 stands as one of the most complete and capable cameras ever made, earning my highest recommendation.
Whether you're capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments as a wedding photographer, tracking fast action for sports publications, or producing high-end video content, the Canon EOS R5 delivers exceptional results that will satisfy the most demanding professionals.
Have you made the switch to Canon's mirrorless system? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
After spending several weeks shooting with the Canon EOS R5, I'm ready to share my hands-on experience with what might be Canon's most impressive mirrorless camera to date. Whether you're a professional photographer, a serious enthusiast, or a content creator who demands exceptional image quality and cutting-edge video capabilities, the R5 deserves your attention.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The moment you pick up the Canon EOS R5, you can tell it's built for professionals. The magnesium alloy body feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight for the technology packed inside. Weather sealing throughout ensures you can take this camera into challenging environments without worry, something I appreciate as someone who often shoots outdoors in unpredictable conditions.
The ergonomics deserve special mention—Canon has refined their grip design to perfection, making the R5 comfortable to hold for extended shooting sessions. The button layout follows Canon's intuitive design philosophy, allowing Canon DSLR users to transition seamlessly to this mirrorless system.
Price: $2,999.00
Previous Price $630.00Previous Price $120.00 to $130.00Stunning Image Quality with 45MP Sensor
The heart of the Canon EOS R5 is its high-resolution 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which delivers extraordinary image quality that rivals medium format cameras. The dynamic range is impressive, preserving details in both shadows and highlights even in challenging lighting scenarios.
During my tests, I was consistently amazed by the amount of detail captured. Landscape photographers will appreciate the ability to produce large prints with incredible clarity, while portrait photographers will love the natural skin tones and subtle gradations that the R5 reproduces.
The color science is quintessentially Canon—rich, accurate colors straight out of camera that many photographers have come to love. Even at higher ISO settings, the R5 maintains impressive noise control, allowing for clean images up to ISO 6400 and very usable results beyond that.
Revolutionary 8K Video Capabilities
The Canon EOS R5 breaks new ground as the first consumer camera to offer 8K DCI cinematic video recording (8192 x 4320 pixels). This gives videographers unprecedented resolution and flexibility in post-production, including the ability to extract 35.4MP still frames from video footage.
Beyond the headline-grabbing 8K, the R5 offers:
While recording limitations due to heat management exist for extended 8K recording sessions, the camera performs admirably for typical professional use cases. For most productions, the 4K oversampled from 8K provides stunning quality with fewer thermal constraints.
Class-Leading Autofocus System
Canon has implemented their most advanced autofocus system to date in the R5, featuring:
The eye-tracking capabilities are almost magical in their precision—I found it locked onto bird eyes even in flight, making wildlife photography significantly more accessible. For portrait photographers, the eye detection rarely misses, even with subjects in motion.
Impressive Speed and Performance
The Canon EOS R5 delivers exceptional performance specifications that make it suitable for sports and wildlife photography:
When paired with Canon's RF lenses, the focusing speed is virtually instantaneous. I tested the camera with several fast-moving subjects, and the hit rate of sharp images was remarkably high—a testament to both the autofocus system and the camera's processing capabilities.
Game-Changing In-Body Image Stabilization
Perhaps one of the R5's most impressive features is its 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) system, providing up to 8 stops of shake correction when paired with certain RF lenses. This represents the most effective stabilization system currently available in any camera.
In practical terms, this allowed me to shoot handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1 second and still achieve sharp results—an absolute game-changer for low-light photography. For video creators, the stabilization makes handheld footage look remarkably smooth, often eliminating the need for a gimbal in less demanding scenarios.
The Growing RF Lens Ecosystem
While not part of the camera body itself, it's worth noting that Canon's RF lens lineup has expanded impressively since the launch of their mirrorless system. The R5 takes full advantage of these new optical designs, which offer improvements in sharpness, speed, and size compared to their EF counterparts.
Standout lenses include the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, and the innovative RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, which is dramatically smaller than its DSLR equivalent.
For those with existing EF glass, Canon's adapters work flawlessly, with no discernible impact on autofocus performance or image quality.
Additional Features Worth Noting
Who Should Buy the Canon EOS R5?
The Canon EOS R5 is ideal for:
Conclusion: A True Next-Generation Camera
The Canon EOS R5 isn't just an incremental improvement—it represents a quantum leap forward in what's possible from a hybrid mirrorless camera. It successfully addresses virtually all the criticisms leveled at previous Canon mirrorless efforts while setting new standards for image quality, video capabilities, autofocus performance, and stabilization.
For Canon users contemplating the switch to mirrorless, the R5 removes any hesitation. For those already invested in other systems, it's compelling enough to justify a switch. While not without its limitations—particularly regarding 8K recording times—the R5 stands as one of the most complete and capable cameras ever made, earning my highest recommendation.
Whether you're capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments as a wedding photographer, tracking fast action for sports publications, or producing high-end video content, the Canon EOS R5 delivers exceptional results that will satisfy the most demanding professionals.
Have you made the switch to Canon's mirrorless system? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
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